Consolidated Micronaut wish list 2008-2009

[Donald M. Scheef]

Here is my updated Micronaut Consolidated Wish List for 2008-2009.

My 2007-2008 list wasn’t all that good for me. Only one of the models in my top 12 made the cut. On the other hand, I hadn’t included any WW I era ships or 1/2400 aircraft in my list simply because I had not yet finished my master lists of these types of models. The five WW I ships and four packs of aircraft scheduled for 2007-2008 are certainly welcome. Although I already have a set of Leningrads from a competitor, I will probably upgrade to the GHQ molding.

At first, I was disappointed in seeing CA-30, USS Houston, on the list since Northampton was already available. On second look, however, I realized that Houston differed from Northampton (as did Chicago and Augusta) in the length of the forecastle.

The only 2007-2008 Micronaut that still disappoints me is IJN Hiei. Although it differs from Kongo, it’s just not that different for me. I would have preferred a model of these ships as they first appeared in the WW I era – maybe this is something that will show up as GWJ01 in the future.

So here's the idea:
- Provide your list of the Micronauts you would most like to see produced in the 2008-2009 season. In June 2008, when the 2008-2009 production schedule is announced, I will abandon this thread and start a new one for 2009-2010.
- There's no limit on the number of ships on your list, but try to limit it to about 10 to 12 ships. In the 2007-2008 season, GHQ released 13 Micronauts (excluding age of sail).
- Provide some support for your choice. Try to convince GHQ that your choices are good for the company.
- Although most my choices are from the WW II era, don't feel limited to this time. I just haven't organized my other choices yet. If you prefer modern, Age of Sail or some other era, feel free to voice up. Eventually, I want to get into Spanish-American War and Russo-Japanese War eras.
- Please feel free to criticize my choices.

My choices are (in alphabetical order of country of origin):

1. Germany CA Hipper class. Everyone makes Prinz Eugen, but no one makes a Hipper in 1/2400 scale. Conversion of Hipper to the earlier class is very difficult because of the difference in the hull dimensions.

2. Germany T-1939 class (T-22 through T-36 torpedo boats) - No one makes a 1/2400 metal model of this class, which were widely active during the war.

3. Germany AMC Kormoran – One of the successful raiders of WW II, best known for the mutually-destructive battle with HMS Sydney. Surprisingly, no one makes a 1/2400 metal model of this ship. Any of the other German raiders from either world war would also be welcome (perhaps even Sea Adler from WW I).

4. Italy CA Pola - This ship differed from all the other Italian heavy cruisers in the combination of hull and superstructure. No one makes a 1/2400 model in metal.

5. Japan AO Sunosaki class – This class was designed specifically to support aircraft carrier task forces. As such, it presaged the underway replenishment ships later built by the USN.

6. Japan late-war navy aircraft: Yokosuka D4Y [Judy] (both in-line & radial versions – neither had folding wings), Aichi B7A Ryusei [Grace] (open & folded wings), Kawanishi N1K1-J Shiden [George], Yokosuka P1Y Ginga [Frances]. Although Jill, Val, etc. continued fighting to the end of the war, they were meat on the table for Hellcats and Corsairs. I need some improved aircraft to make late-war carrier battles more evenly balanced.

7. UK BB Vanguard - Although it was completed post-war, it could have been completed earlier and fits into a number of hypothetical scenarios. Besides that, it's a beautiful ship that no one models in 1/2400 metal.

8. UK BB Lion class - This is my sole hypothetical model on the list. Although unfinished, the first two of this class were at least laid down. GHQ makes models of the German H and the US Montana classes. The Japanese don't need hypothetical BBs with Yamato & Musashi.

9. UK CL Modified Colony (Fiji) class (Ceylon, Newfoundland, Uganda) - All the other models of Fiji class are the earlier 4-triple 6" mount version. No one makes a model of the later model with only 3 triple 6" mounts but with added antiaircraft. Note also that many of the earlier Fiji class were modified to this appearance during the war.

10. UK sloops Black Swan class - I've got plenty of 'flower' class corvettes, but the British had hundreds of other escort type ships (Bay, Loch, Bittern, Egret, etc.). Any of these would be a welcome addition.

11. US CA-35 Indianapolis (final configuration) – Considering USN84, I realized that we are getting close to being able to represent all the US pre-war heavy cruiser types in both early-war & late-war configuration. A late-war CA-24 (Pensacola) or CA-27 (Chester) would also be welcome, but Indianapolis gets the vote because of her tragic sinking.

12. US BB-36 Nevada (as originally built) – This was a difficult choice for me. I wanted to include something from WW I, but I’m not yet familiar enough with the era. Extending the current GWS series either to BB-26, South Carolina or BB-36 seamed the most likely to me, although neither saw combat at this time. Both were revolutionary developments. I selected Nevada as the first of the “all-or-nothingâ€￾ armor design.

[semonyenko]

What I'd like to see (and buy!):

German
KM Hipper - Saw a lot more combat than Prinz Eugen, and (as noted above) not an easy conversion from the PE.

KM Scheer - Saw a lot more use than Graf Spee (in action in 1939-45!). Lutzow would be good as well, but Scheer would be more easily produced from the current GS model (just need a new conning tower bit, and different funnel and a clipper bow).

KM Gneisnau - it's just wrong to have the Scharnhorst without her consort. And yes, it is possible to tell them apart from a distance.


UK
Vanguard - not really needed, but a beautiful ship.

Duke of York - There's the King George V, but she can only be used for other ships of the class by filing off the de-gaussing cable around the hull, which is a pain. All the others had their cables inside the hull.

Later colony class CLs - agree with the original poster, the latter ones with 3 turrets instead of 4 would be an excellent choice.

Later DDs - like the 'S' class. The Brits are very poorly served in the area of DDs, and even worse when it comes to escorts. Black Swans, River class frigates, 4-piper conversions, anything would be useful!

Early, V&W class DDs - saw use in the Med and South Pacific with the Australians.


Italian
I'll second the Pola, and hope for another class of DD's.

[SeaHarrier2006]

Hi everyone,

Well yet another chance to add my Micronaught wishes to a list . The 2007-2008 list was very disappointing for me with no new Modern ships or aircraft, maybe I will have a bit more luck in 2008-2009.

I recently got hold af the French Carrier Clemenceau from a different maker who shall remain nameless, and due to the lack of aircraft to put on her I have had to make my own to complete this project. So part of this list will be devoted to Naval aircraft.

1. Has to be H.M.S. Ark Royal (Aircraft Carrier) 1950-1978 As well as some aircraft to place on her. This was the last British Carrier able to carry proper fixed wing aircraft, without having to resort to a skijump and virtical landings.

2. H.M.S. Fearless (Dock Landing Ship) 1965-2002 This played a major part in the Falkand campagin.

3. Leander Class Frigates.

4. H.M.S. Daring (Type 45 Destroyer) Latest breed od Royal Navy Destroyer.

5. Jeanne D'Arc (French Helicopter Cruser) 1964-2011

6. Charles de Gaulle (Nuclear Aircraft Carrier) Current aircraft carrier of the French Navy. The only Nuclear powered carrier in Western Europe.

7. Osumi class LST (Japanese Helicopter Carrier) Currently under construction.

8. Takanami (Destroyer) Currently in service with the Japanese Defence Force

9. Andrea Doria (Frigate) New class of Frigate to be used by France, and Italy

10. San Giorgio (San Giorgio Class) Amphib Class being used by the Spanish Navy. 3 in class.

11. H.M.S. Ocean (Helicopter Carrier). Currently in ervice of the Royal Navy.

12. Aircraft packs for Modern UK ships and land.

13. Modern Aircraft Packs for France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

14. Aircraft Packs with some of the Modern U'S. Aircraft.

There are many many more I could list, but maybe I will add some more to this at a later date

[DarrylH]

Well, let's see

WWII Micronauts

USN

-Late war configuration New Orleans class CA
-Early war configuration Portland class CA
-Late war configuration New Mexico class BB
-S class submarines (S-40 series)
-Midway class CVB

RN

-HMS Vanguard BB
-Kent class (without cut down quarterdeck) or London class (as built) CA
-HMS York CA
-HMS Enterprise CL
-War Emergency Type DD classes
-S (1917) class DD
-Black Swan class FF
-Vosper type PT

RM (Italian Navy)

-CA Pola
-Spica class TB (DE)
-Argo or Brin class SS
-MAS type PT

KM (German Navy)

-Gneisenau BC
-Admiral Scheer CA
-Admiral Hipper CA
-T-22 class TB (DE)
-Atlantis or Kormoran AMC
-S-boat type PT

IJN

-Shinano CV
-Maya CA (enhanced AA conversion)
-Isuzu CL (AA conversion)
-Katori CL
-Kagero class DD (enhanced AA conversion)
-RO class SS

MN (French Navy)

-Bretagne BB
-Duquesne class CA
-Duguay-Trouin class CL
-Bourrasque class DD
-Flore class TB (DE)
-Redoubtable class SS

Soviet Navy

-Krazny Kavkaz CL/CA
-S class SS

Netherlands Navy

-K or Oclass SS

Napoleonic Micronauts

-US Independence class 74
-US flush decked corvette (Wasp/Peacock classes)
-Danish Christian VII class 74
-Dutch 60/64 gun ship
-Russian 74 (single level quarter gallery)
-Merchant bark or brig-rigged collier

I'm content to see what GHQ does with the Great War Micronauts; as for moderns, in addition to British ships, I'd suggest Japanese and Chinese ships should be considered.

[Donald M. Scheef]

To SeaHarrier2006,

I’m not up to date on post-WW II combat ships, so I will defer to your choices. Could you suggest the specific aircraft in which you are interested? For example, to me “modern US carrier aircraftâ€￾ could include Banshees, Panthers, Cutlasses, Demons, Crusaders, Phantoms, Tomcats, Hornets or F-35.


To DarrylH,

I agree with most of your choices, but with a few reservations:

I’m really not interested in most submarines. If they’re submerged, the periscope is too small to model in 1/2400 scale. If they’re surfaced in daylight, they’re a target.

I would like to see more coastal forces, but they are a bit small in 1/2400 scale. In particular, I don’t think I could distinguish the difference between a Vosper and the available USN12. A Fairmile D, on the other hand, would be significantly different.

I think that USN39 would cover “Late war configuration New Mexico class BB,â€￾ unless you are particularly interested in Idaho.

I also would like HMS Enterprise, but suggest that it come in a pack with its half-sister, Emerald.

Rather than 1917 S class DDs, for WW II I would prefer the various modifications of Vs & Ws.

I would like the AA conversion of Isuzu, but I don’t think this was ever actually carried out. This pushes it out of my list of “favorites.â€￾

The following ships are off my “favoritesâ€￾ list because a GHQ competitor makes a reasonably good 1/2400 scale model of them:
War Emergency type DD classes (in several different versions)
Spica class escorts
Maya (enhanced AA conversion)
Bourrasque class DD


I’ll pass on commenting about the Napoleonic – I’m just not competent in this time span. You do seem to have a good range of nations and some variety in the ship types.

I don’t do moderns either, but agree with others’ comments about missing an opportunity with the anniversary of the Falklands War. Chinese should also be covered, as well as more Soviet Union ships. Modern Japanese ships seem less interesting to me because of their strict defensive stance.

[dragon6]

Perhaps someone can tell me how Pola differed from the others in the Zara class? RM Zara, RM Pola, RM Fiume and RM Gorizia are all identical as far as I know.

[DarrylH]

Don:

Regarding your comments on my wish list: USN--yes, i was thinking about Idaho of the New Mexico class primarily. RN--Emerald and Enterprise would make a nice twin pack, I mentioned the S class because they could also fit the Great War range "as is", unlike the V/W modifications. The competitor War Emergency Type destroyers are quite nice, but are molded without masts of any kind, and the wire I use for pole masts doesn't replicate the tripod or lattice types found on these ships very well. In general, a competitor making a decent model has never stopped GHQ from producing their own anyway . RM--to answer Dragon6's question, Pola's superstructure differed markedly from that of her sisters, resembling that of Bolzano in some ways. IJN--Isuzu was converted to a CLAA in early 1944, according to MJ Whitley's Cruisers of World War Two and other sources, so perhaps Don can add it back to his wish list after all.
As for subs, they're part of the range now, so I'd like to see a few more types (for example, the British "T" class--far more general purposel than the "U"s), although I am pretty much in agreement with Don as to the actual utility of the minis in game situatuions. I do have to disagree about the PTs, though--I've got a few of the old Pewtercraft Vospers,E-Boats, and Higgins type PTs, as well as a competitor's MAS boats, and the differences are discernible. In fact, I recently saw GHQ PTs listed on Ebay that were painted in green and black splinter camoulfage. Since monochrome painting and basing of the PTs without "operational losses" is a challenge for me, I was very impressed...

[Ben]

7. Osumi class LST (Japanese Helicopter Carrier) Currently under construction.

Hi,

as you wrote correctly the Osumi class are LST (in my opinion LSD would also/better match them) not Helicopter Carriers.
There are three ships in service Osumi (LST 4001), Shimokita (LST 4002) and Kunisaki (LST 4003) and a fourth ship (LST 4004) planned (as far as I know).
Nevertheless the JMSDF have plans for a new Destroyer (DDH) which in fact is more or less a true Helicopter Carrier.

Kind regards,
Ben

[av8rmongo]

There is a competitor out there that makes a very good Osumi - if a bit pricey at $16. And as far as the JMSDF being strictly defensive I would encourage a little reading up on recent history.

Paul

[SeaHarrier2006]

Hi Donald,

Well let me clarify my aircraft choices for the 1:2400 micronaughts.

Most of the Modern Aircraft used by the U.S. Navy are already covered, however there are a few additions which would be most welcome.

U.S. Naval Aircraft.

A-4 Skyhawk 1954-1976. Also played a big role in the Falklands conflict.
A-5 Vigilante 1961-1979. Attack aircraft/Reconnaissance role
A-7 Corsair II 1965-1992. Attack Aircraft
F-8 Crusader. 1958-1976. Fighter aircraft
F16N Fighting Falcon. 1978-Present. Used as an adversary aircraft for air combat training purposes
AV-8B Harrier II. 1985-Present. VTOL strike aircraft used by the Marine Corps
C1 Trader 1955-1988. COD, and Anti-Submarine aircraft.
F-35 Lightning II. The U.S. Navies Future Strike Fighter, due to enter service in 2011
EA-18G Growler. Due to replace the EA-6B Prowler
P-8 Poseidon modified Boeing 737, Due to enter service 2013, and will be used for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare

U.S. Land based Aircraft.

F16 Fighting Falcon
F22 Raptor
F117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter. 1983-Present
B-1 Lancer. 1986-Present.
B-2 Spirit. 1997-Present. Also known as the Stealth Bomber
Chinook. Transport Helicopter
Longbow Apachie. Attack Helicopter


United Kingdom Aircraft.

Land Based

F2 Typhoon Euro Fighter
F3 Tornado 1983-Present. Fighter/Intercepter
GR3A Jaguar 1973-Present. Ground Attack Aircraft
GR7/A Harrier 1969-Present. Currently being used on the Invincible class Carriers
MR4A Nimrod. 2009-Onwards. Anti-Submarine Warfare
V1 Vulcan Bomber 1965-1894. Played a role in the Falklands Conflict

Naval Based for use on H.M.S. Ark Royal 1955-1978

DH.110 Sea Vixen. 1959-1972. Fighter.
B-103 Buccaneer. 1962-1993. Strike Aircraft, used in the 1st Gulf War.
F1 Scimitar. 1958-1969. Fighter for the Fleet Air-Arm
Westland Wess’ex Helicopter. Used heavily before the Sea King
Westland Wasp. Helicopter. Predecessor of the Westland Lynk

She also use the F4K phantom towards the end of her life, which could be added from the U.S. land based aircraft pack.

Other Countries Aircraft.

FRANCE.

Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard. Also used by Argentina and Iraqi Airforces.
Dassault Rafale. French Version of the Euro Fighter
Eurocopter Dauphin. Currently used by the French Navy.

There may be others which could be added to this list, but this list would give us modern Navy boys a greater range of aircraft to use on our ships.

Cheers for now,

Mark. (SeaHarrier2006)

[av8rmongo]

Mark,

I agree with your list except:

Both B-1 and AV-8 are already available.

I would also like to see...

U.S. Naval Aircraft
A-1 Skyraiders
A-3 Whales
F-1 Furies
F-2 Banshees
F-3 Demons
F-4 Skyknights
C-2 COD
P-2 Ventura

U.S. Land Based Aircraft.
A-10 Warthog
F-5 Freedom Fighter - Lots of exports for this one
C-130 - Anyone want to bomb the Falklands?

UK Aircraft
Land Based
F.1 Lightning

Naval Based
FGA.6 Sea Hawk - There are some interesting '71 Indo-Pakistani options for this one.
Gannet in all its variations

France
Mirage III / V / Dagger / Nesher - Lots of Middle East and and S. Atlantic options.
Mirage F-1

China
Everything they have!

Soviet / Russia
Everything they have!

Paul

[Donald M. Scheef]

SeaHarrier,

Thank you for your list of Micronauts modern aircraft.

I think that you erred in describing Rafale as the French version of EuroFighter. These are two distinct designs. Although similar in layout, function and timing, they have no detail in common. In particular, the engine air intakes are totally different. EuroFighter has a boxy intake mounted under the fuselage. Rafale has curvey intakes on the lower side of the fuselage.

With respect especially to P-8, B-1, B-2, Nimrod and Vulcan: I hope you meant "with our ships" rather than "on our ships."

Don Scheef

[SeaHarrier2006]

Hi Donald,

Thanks for pointing out the Euro Fighter's differences to the Rafael. Which means I would have to add The EuroFighter (actual Name Typhoon) to my list of British/French aircraft.

As for the B-2, P-8, Nimrod, and Vulcan Bomber, they would of course be land based aircraft, with the B-2 and P8 being added to the U.S. Bomber Pack, and the Vulcan, Nimrod, and maybe the Victor and the Valiant being released as a U.K Pack.

Who knows maybe in the future, but for now all us Modern navy boys can do is dream ,

Cheeres for now,

Mark. (SeaHarrier2006)

[Donald M. Scheef]

Back to surface ships for a while:
I checked my references and agree with DarrylH; Isuzu was in fact converted to an anti-aircraft configuration in 1944.

I have been unable, however, to find any detailed description or illustrations of Isuzu in this configuration. Can anyone provide references to line drawings, photographs or detailed word descriptions of what this ship looked like late in the war?

Don Scheef

[SeaHarrier2006]

Hi Don,

Once again I can come to the rescue for you . You can find a complete model made by Tamiya, of the 1944 version of the Izuzu at the address below.

http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery ... index.html

Cheers for now,

Mark. (SeaHarirer2006)